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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 91 records · Page 5

Investigation of photoelectron spectroscopy

The problem of obtaining true and meaningful branching ratios from the photoelectron spectra is investigated. The problem consists of understanding the transmission of an electron energy analyzer for electrons with different energies, understanding the effects of using partially polarized radiation from different vacuum monochromators, and in understanding the effects of the angular distribution of photoelectrons ejected from different orbitals. An analysis of the degree of polarization of monochromatic radiation and of the problem of varying angular distributions led to the construction of a cylindrical mirror electron energy analyzer set at the special angle of 54 deg 44 min so that no discrimination would occur for electrons of different angular distributions. With the analyzer properly calibrated for transmission of electrons of different energies, data were taken at several wavelengths and for several atmospheric gases.

Samson, J. A. R.↗

Our prodigal sun

Characteristics of the sun are reported indicating it as a source of energy. Data from several space missions are discussed, and the solar activity cycle is presented. The corona, flares, prominences, spots, and wind of the sun are also discussed.

Source record↗

Empirical relation between interstellar X-ray absorption and optical extinction

An empirical relation between interstellar X-ray absorption and optical extinction is derived from the correlation of measurements made on objects of large intrinsic diameter. The result is Av = 4.5 times 10 to the -22nd power N(H) mag, with the principal error being largely systematic in origin, where N(H) represents the column density of interstellar matter in the Brown and Gould model for the X-ray absorption coefficient. Applying this ratio to optically identified compact sources, it is concluded that sources in binary systems showing pronounced X-ray occultations have an intrinsic absorption equivalent to about 10 to the 22-nd power atoms per sq cm of interstellar matter and that there are a few compact sources where the absorption seems to be primarily interstellar in origin. The interstellar absorption expected in Cyg X-1 from the extinction of its optical counterpart is much greater than that suggested by X-ray spectra, which may be due to a soft X-ray component greater than that predicted by the power law fitted to higher energy data.

Gorenstein, P.↗

Crab Nebula observations - 0.2-10 MeV

Observations of the total emission from the Crab Nebula and also of the pulsed component were made over the 0.2 to 10-MeV range during three balloon flights in 1971 with an actively-collimated NaI scintillator. The total emission flux was positively observed over the entire interval. The observed spectrum to 1 MeV agrees with an extrapolation of the E to the -2.2 power law, which fits lower-energy data. The observations above 1 MeV are factors of 3 and 20 above this law and are better fit with a spectral index of 0.8. Confidence levels are 3 sigma or better for each half-decade band. The three observations are consistent with a constant flux level. The NP 0532 flux, detected during one flight only (August 8) between 0.2 and 0.38 MeV, agrees with the exponential power law spectrum already determined from other observations. The possibility of a rapidly rising pulsed emission fraction over the 0.1- to 1-MeV interval is excluded by this observation.

Gruber, D. E.↗

The Baltimore applications project: A new look at technology transfer

The history of cooperation between Goddard Space Flight Center and Baltimore City administrators in solving urban problems is summarized. NASA provided consultation and advisory services as well as technology resources and demonstrations. Research and development programs for 69 tasks are briefly described. Technology utilization for incinerator energy, data collection, Health Department problems, and solarization experiments are presented as case histories.

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Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) study of atmospheric particles

The results of analyses by ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis) on several Nuclepore filters which were exposed during air pollution studies are presented along with correlative measurements by Neutron Activation Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Samples were exposed during air pollution studies at Norfolk, Virginia and the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC). It was demonstrated that with the ESCA technique it was possible to identify the chemical (bonding) state of elements contained in the atmospheric particulate matter collected on Nuclepore filters. Sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, chlorine, alkali, and alkaline earth metal species were identified in the Norfolk samples. ESCA binding energy data for aluminum indicated that three chemically different types of aluminum are present in the launch and background samples from NASA-KSC.

Dillard, J. G.↗

Solar-site test module

Report describes small test set which interrogates solar-energy data acquisition systems. Lightweight, portable set includes microcomputer with keyboard, alphanumeric display, printer, cassette recorder/player for storing programs and data, and cable for connection to Site Data Acquisition System (SDAS). Unit is operated by BASIC program and Assembly language. Report is specific to DOE/NASA application yet contains general information to assist in designing similar units.

Kissel, R. R.↗

Cosmic ray antiprotons in closed galaxy model

The flux of secondary antiprotons expected for the leaky-box model was calculated as well as that for the closed galaxy model of Peters and Westergard (1977). The antiproton/proton ratio observed at several GeV is a factor of 4 higher than the prediction for the leaky-box model but is consistent with that predicted for the closed galaxy model. New low energy data is not consistent with either model. The possibility of a primary antiproton component is discussed.

Protheroe, R.↗

Cosmic ray antiprotons in the closed galaxy model

A calculation is made of the flux of secondary antiprotons expected for the leaky box model and for the closed galaxy model of Peters and Westergaard (1977). The antiproton/proton ratio observed at several GeV is a factor of 4 higher than the prediction for the leaky box model but is consistent with that predicted for the closed galaxy model. It is found that new low-energy data are not consistent with either model. Attention is given to the possibility of a primary antiproton component.

Protheroe, R. J.↗

Second Eastern Regional Remote Sensing Applications Conference

Participants from state and local governments share experiences in remote sensing applications with one another and with users in the Federal government, universities, and the private sector during technical sessions and forums covering agriculture and forestry; land cover analysis and planning; surface mining and energy; data processing; water quality and the coastal zone; geographic information systems; and user development programs.

Imhoff, M. L.↗

Energy spectra of cosmic rays above 1 TeV per nucleon

Direct measurements of cosmic-ray nuclei above 1 TeV/nucleon have been performed in a series of balloon-borne experiments with emulsion chambers. The observed all-particle spectrum above 20 TeV is consistent with the results of the Proton satellite and many air shower experiments. The proton spectrum is consistent with a power law having an index of 2.76 + or - 0.09 up to at least 100 TeV, but an overabundance of helium by a factor of 2 above 2 TeV per nucleon is found when compared with the extrapolation from the low energies. For heavy elements (C through Fe), the intensities around 1 TeV/nucleon are consistent, within the statistical errors, with the extrapolation from lower energy data using the Spacelab 2 spectral indices. An enhancement for the medium-heavy components (C through Ca) above 200 TeV is indicated. The mean mass above 50 TeV indicates slightly higher values than the results of the air shower experiments.

Burnett, T. H.↗

Three-Dimensional Model Synthesis of the Global Methane Cycle

A synthesis of the global methane cycle is presented to attempt to generate an accurate global methane budget. Methane-flux measurements, energy data, and agricultural statistics are merged with databases of land-surface characteristics and anthropogenic activities. The sources and sinks of methane are estimated based on atmospheric methane composition and variations, and a global 3D transport model simulates the corresponding atmospheric responses. The geographic and seasonal variations of candidate budgets are compared with observational data, and the available observations are used to constrain the plausible methane budgets. The preferred budget includes annual destruction rates and annual emissions for various sources. The lack of direct flux measurements in the regions of many of these fluxes makes the unique determination of each term impossible. OH oxidation is found to be the largest single term, although more measurements of this and other terms are recommended.

Fung, I.↗

Structural analysis of an NDE-inspected carbon-carbon component

In this research, it is demonstrated that the integration of nondestructive evaluation with the finite element method (a quantitative NDE/FEM approach) can be used for analysis and behavior prediction of advanced materials, such as fiber composites, after processing and during in-service testing. First, stress, strain, and energy data were calculated by the finite element method for square plates with a 10 percent difference in the material properties between specified segments, i.e., between the center and the outside section or between two halves of the plate. This demonstrated the efficiency of the method in predicting variations in the structural behavior based on small material property differences. Then, finite element analyses and actual axial compression tests were performed on a Space Shuttle brake stator made from woven carbon-carbon composites. The material properties used in the numerical modeling of the stator were previously characterized at a large number of points on the component by quantitative NDE-procedures, i.e., ultrasonics and radiography. The results from the experimental compressive loading tests were used to verify the NDE/FEM results. Good agreement was found for most parameters.

Striz, A. G.↗

Autonomous Planning and Replanning for Mine-Sweeping Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

This software generates high-quality plans for carrying out mine-sweeping activities under resource constraints. The autonomous planning and replanning system for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) takes as input a set of prioritized mine-sweep regions, and a specification of available UUV resources including available battery energy, data storage, and time available for accomplishing the mission. Mine-sweep areas vary in location, size of area to be swept, and importance of the region. The planner also works with a model of the UUV, as well as a model of the power consumption of the vehicle when idle and when moving.

Gaines, Daniel M.↗

Energy Management of the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle Using a Goal-Oriented Control System

Safe human exploration in space missions requires careful management of limited resources such as breathable air and stored electrical energy. Daily activities for astronauts must be carefully planned with respect to such resources, and usage must be monitored as activities proceed to ensure that they can be completed while maintaining safe resource margins. Such planning and monitoring can be complex because they depend on models of resource usage, the activities being planned, and uncertainties. This paper describes a system - and the technology behind it - for energy management of the NASA-Johnson Space Center's Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicles (SEV), that provides, in an onboard advisory mode, situational awareness to astronauts and real-time guidance to mission operators. This new capability was evaluated during this year's Desert RATS (Research and Technology Studies) planetary exploration analog test in Arizona. This software aided ground operators and crew members in modifying the day s activities based on the real-time execution of the plan and on energy data received from the rovers.

Braman, Julia M. B.↗

A Collimated Retarding Potential Analyzer for the Study of Magnetoplasma Rocket Plumes

A gridded retarding potential analyzer (RPA) has been developed to characterize the magnetized plasma exhaust of the 10 kW Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VX-10) experiment at NASA's Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory. In this system, plasma is energized through coupling of radio frequency waves at the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR). The particles are subsequently accelerated in a magnetic nozzle to provide thrust. Downstream of the nozzle, the RPA's mounting assembly enables the detector to make complete axial and radial scans of the plasma. A multichannel collimator can be inserted into the RPA to remove ions with pitch angles greater than approximately 1 deg. A calculation of the general collimator transmission as a function over velocity space is presented, which shows the instrument's sensitivity in detecting changes in both the parallel and perpendicular components of the ion energy. Data from initial VX-10 ICRH experiments show evidence of ion heating.

Glover, T. W.↗

A Search for High-Energy Counterparts to Fast Radio Bursts

We report on a search for high-energy counterparts to fast radio bursts (FRBs) with the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor, Fermi Large Area Telescope, and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory Burst Alert Telescope. We find no significant associations for any of the 23 FRBs in our sample, but report upper limits to the high-energy fluence for each on timescales of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 s. We report lower limits on the ratio of the radio to high-energy fluence, f(sub r) /f(sub γ), for timescales of 0.1 and 100 s. We discuss the implications of our non-detections on various proposed progenitor models for FRBs, including analogs of giant pulses from the Crab pulsar and hyperflares from magnetars. This work demonstrates the utility of analyses of high-energy data for FRBs in tracking down the nature of these elusive sources..

Cunningham, Virginia↗

Should’ve Could’ve: Progress in the Systems Engineering of the Mars2020 On-Board Planner

Mars rover operations has traditionally controlled behavior using meticulously compiled, so-called “Master” sequences that enforce deterministic timing and ordering of activities. While the approach is effective at managing risk and complexity, it can also be inefficient. Extended operations of the Mars2020 rover envisions a fundamentally different scheduling and execution approach. Atomic activities are constrained by mission operators in time, resource usage, and a structure of dependencies. The rover flight software will create and re-create schedules, responding to available energy, data volume, actual activity durations and execution status, observed temperatures, and other on-board state. Schedules are expected to change substantially in the course of execution. The solution space is prohibitively large and probabilistic in nature. A range of emergent behavior is accessible depending on the interaction between actual on-board state and a given formulation of constraints. For years, the specification and implementation of this capability have been considered and refined, as testing and analysis have mapped the contours of the system. Many concepts that could have been adopted were rejected, and in some cases, emergent properties have been exposed and beaten back with approaches to steer the behavior. This paper discusses some of the design history and underlying reasoning in the systems engineering of the first autonomous activity planner on Mars.

Kuhn, Stephen R↗